US President Barack Obama meets with Ghana's President John Evans Atta Mills in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington March 8, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama on Thursday praised Ghana as a model for Africa in terms of democratic practices as well as economic development.

"Ghana has proven, I think, to be a model for Africa in terms of its democratic practices," the president told reporters after meeting with his Ghanaian counterpart John Evans Atta Mills at the White House.

"This is a country that has established a strong tradition of democracy," Obama said.

In his first visit to Africa months after taking office, Obama and his wife Michelle made an overnight stop in Ghana in July 2009.

"And I very much appreciate the efforts that President Mills has taken not only to ensure fair and free elections, but also to root out corruption, increase transparency, make sure that government is working for the people of Ghana and not just for the few," Obama said.

"In addition, Ghana has become a wonderful success story economically on the continent," he added, taking note of its high growth rates over the past years, the growing food productivity and food security as well as strong foreign investment.

"Ghana has also been a leader, a responsible actor on the international stage, working in the region to help stabilize and reduce conflict there," Obama remarked.

On his part, Mills stated that there can be no development without peace, saying "We should do the things which will ensure that there is peace and that there's no room for conflict."

He pledged to ensure a peaceful presidential election in his country this year.